The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, is sponsoring a mobile spay/neuter event in partnership with Eastern PA Animal Alliance (EPAA), on July 22, 2021, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in Lackawanna County at the Keyser Valley Community Center.

This is the first of three mobile spay/neuter events to take place this year based on overwhelming need, sponsored by the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. During the event, nearly 60 pre-registered applicants will be able to bring their cats (domestic or feral) during their scheduled appointment time to receive spay/neuter services at a low cost ($5 for feral cats and $10 for domestic cats). Cats will also receive rabies and distemper vaccines if needed. This event aims to provide assistance to pet owners who may be facing economic challenges to help control the pet population across the region.

Due to the high demand and the maximum capacity reached for this event, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is unable to take any additional applications for appointments for the scheduled mobile spay/neuter events at this time.

Reporters and members of the media are invited to attend to cover the event.

A project of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative works on initiatives aimed at ensuring animals in Northeastern Pennsylvania can achieve a happy and healthy life, free from abuse and neglect. The Collaborative is composed of over 40 individuals and organizations in the animal shelter, rescue, sanctuary, and welfare community including Griffin Pond, In Pursuit of Grace, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, and others.

To learn more about the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative or to become involved, please visit the Collaborative’s website, nepaawc.org, or follow the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative on Facebook.

For more information about these mobile spay/neuter events, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Communications Manager at 570-347-6203.

Donations to the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative are accepted online at safdn.org or by check made payable to the Scranton Area Foundation indicating “NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Fund” in the memo mailed to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 102, Scranton, PA 18510.

Golden Technologies is excited to showcase new innovative products in both the power lift recliner and mobility divisions at Medtrade East, the home medical equipment industry’s largest trade show, in Atlanta, GA, October 19 and 20, 2021. The introduction of new technology and comfort features at the show will help retailers discover new ways to drive cash sales with profit-producing products.

“We aim to lead our retailers to more education that will help them succeed. Nothing replaces the experience of the face-to-face interaction gained by attending a show and now that travel restrictions have softened, we’re eager to see our retailers at Medtrade East to learn about all of the tremendous innovation we have been working on during the pandemic,” said Rich Golden, President & CEO of Golden Technologies. “Thanks to the support of our thousands of retailers across the country, including our exclusive Flagship retailers, we are poised to help more Americans maintain their independence and enjoy a new level of comfort with our unique designs and advanced technology than ever before,” he added.

In addition to showing new power lift recliners, Golden will also feature their Comfort Zone, a stress-free reclining experience by providing up to five adjustable, patented, and supportive positioning zones that can increase the body’s wellness and optimize the feeling of comfort. Golden offers the only five-zone luxury power lift recliners in the world. The tilting motion of their patented Twilight Technology provides a feeling of weightlessness while encouraging circulation by relaxing with the legs easily and comfortably elevated above the heart.

In their mobility division, Golden is creating a buzz about their new power wheelchair. “The BuzzAbout is very unique in the market. It offers a great combination of power and portability, along with a new front and rear LED lighting system for safety,” said Golden. “We’ll also show our new GB120 Buzzaround CarryOn folding scooter, one of the hottest selling scooters on the market due to its incredible portability and transportability,” he added. The scooter line is growing with the addition of new luxurious three- and four-wheel models featuring full-size comfort with the convenience of true portability.

Retailers at the show can stop by to visit Golden at booth #1247 to see what the buzz is all about.

Visit www.goldentech.com for more information.  

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers visits Wilkes Barre from August 19 – 22, 2021 at the ASM Global managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com and in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena.

While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines.  Face coverings are strongly encouraged, regardless of vaccination status.  The CDC recommends face coverings if you are not fully vaccinated.  Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here. 

           
Additional Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Show Details;  Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice.  Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.

Join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

Event Location:  Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes Barre Township, PA 18702

Dates and Times of Performances:                                   
Thursday, August 19             7:00pm
Friday, August 20                  3:00pm           7:00pm
Saturday, August 21             11:00am          3:00pm           7:00pm
Sunday, August 22               11:00am          3:00pm          

Tickets start at: $20*

To purchase tickets:
Online: www.disneyonice.com or www.ticketmaster.com
Box Office:  NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena
Group Tickets:  For groups 9+, please contact (570) 970-7600, ext. 1119 or email at groups@MoheganSunArenaPA.com

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.  Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce 

Many local business owners are now discovering that the post-COVID economic recovery has a downside – namely, inflation.  As a result, these employers are searching for ways to offset the rising expense of running a business.

According to Jerry Calistri, President and CEO of the insurance brokerage firm Swift Kennedy & Associates, these business owners should consider switching from traditional fully insured employee benefit packages to self-insured plans, such as level-funded policies, in order to control costs.

Reduced Costs

“Level-funded plans can offer employers substantial savings in this inflationary environment because of the fact that they do not include marketing expenses, have lower administrative costs, and are exempt from premium taxes and most state regulations,” said Calistri.

These plans also allow business owners to pay a fixed or “level” monthly fee (based on expected claims) that is usually lower than traditional insurance premiums.  In addition, employers may be awarded a partial cash refund if actual claims are lower than expected.   (If claims are higher than predicted, the employer’s stop loss insurance will kick in.)

Transparency and Versatility

Unlike business owners with traditional insurance plans, those with level-funded policies receive claims activity reports with detailed information about employees’ health care usage patterns throughout the year. 

This transparency of claims data allows employers to take advantage of another cost-saving feature of level-funded plans – the customization of benefits.

“Having access to claims data lets business owners customize their benefit offerings so that they are more cost effective,” said Calistri.  “For example, if their employees seem to be over-using hospital emergency rooms, employers can tailor their plan designs so that workers have incentives to use urgent care centers and doctors’ offices for health problems that aren’t life threatening.”

Employee Engagement

Most level-funded plans offer a number of services designed to engage employees more fully in their healthcare decisions, while maximizing employers’ cost savings,

For example, many plans provide wellness programs designed to motivate workers to pursue healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising, since it is widely recognized that a healthy lifestyle can reduce employees’ medical costs.

Many of these plans also include telemedicine, which lets employees have online medical appointments and is not only a big money saver for employers but is also highly convenient for workers.  Some also offer prescription benefit management programs, which help employees select generic and mail order drugs rather than more expensive brand name products. 

“Because of their transparency, versatility, and potential savings, level-funded plans can be a great fit for many businesses whose owners are concerned about inflation,” said Calistri.

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program will be holding a Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors course on campus on August 24, 26, 31, and September 2, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Space is limited. The total cost of the course is $200 for cars and light trucks. There is an additional $75 fee for other vehicle categories. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. 

The Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspection course requirements include 12 classroom hours, a written test, and a two-hour tactile test scheduled independently with the instructor. Students must complete all requirements before receiving certification from PennDOT. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date of payment. Class size is limited to 20 students, so participants are encouraged to register early. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid operator’s license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect. Classes will be held in the Automotive Center of the Weaver Building on the Johnson College campus.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will present “Best of the Eagles” on October 1 at 7:30 PM in its Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre.  “Best of the Eagles” is one of the top Eagles tribute bands in the country with performances of the band’s greatest hits from the 70s, 80s and more.

“Best of the Eagles” prides itself as the most authentic interpretation of the music of the Eagles in America, bar none! Each member mirrors his counterpart in the Eagles instrumentally and vocally. However, this is no simple copy band or impersonator act but rather a group of excellent musicians who expertly and authentically re-create the songs, the music, the vocals and the magical aura of one of America’s greatest rock bands. After selling out many venues in the region including the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, “Best of the Eagles” looks forward to sharing a great night of Eagles hits in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Tickets range from $28.25 – $48.25 (includes fees) and are available for purchase at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

Marywood University will launch its bachelor of science degree in construction management for the fall 2022 semester. As part of the University’s renowned School of Architecture, this is the first and only four-year construction management program in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Marywood University’s School of Architecture’s integrative curriculum emphasizes a design/build approach, sustainable construction, and novel problem-solving skills, preparing its graduates to take on the most complex situations in the profession.

A bachelor’s degree in construction management prepares graduates to manage complex projects in the construction industry. Construction managers plan, budget, coordinate, and supervise construction projects throughout every step of the process. Construction managers work with all members of the team, from designers to contractors, to fulfill client needs and positively contribute to the built environment.

Students in the construction management program, within the School of Architecture, at Marywood University will enjoy close partnerships with other disciplines in the built environment. The University’s integrative curriculum connects business practices, construction knowledge, emergent building technologies, and design practices. With a construction management degree from Marywood University, graduates will be able to apply their education to a range of industry applications in a projected field for growth.

The new construction management program at Marywood University is a participant in the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) Mentor Program. As part of ACCE’s five-year process for new programs on the path to full accreditation, Marywood University is a prospect school, currently in a mentoring partnership with The Ohio State University.

For additional information about Marywood University’s construction management major, please visit marywood.edu/architecture/programs/bachelor-of-science-(b.s.)-in-construction-management/, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.